New | Large urban farm in east Kowloon set to open in March

The community can expect to reap what they sow in a new, 750,000-square-foot urban farm starting from March.

The “Urban Oasis” in Ngau Tau Kok aims to combine greenery and community participation through farming on accessible urban spaces, says Christian Family Service Centre, a social welfare group which runs the site.

“Urban farming is popular in other countries. It is a good way for families, the elderly and retirees to relax,” said Kitty Chau Shuk-king, a programme director with the centre. “There are already too many buildings in the area. As such, it is important to have open green spaces.”

The project is phase 2 of a wider communual greenery scheme which commenced in 2010. Located on an open space under a matrix of busy flyovers near Ping Shek Estate and Richland Gardens, the site has 350 nursery planters over a 45,000-sq-ft plot.

Fifty of the planters are reserved for the elderly, socially-deprived and people with special-needs, while the remaining is open to public rental at HK$300 a month for a minimum period of six months. There will also be raised planters and barrier-free environments to cater for the need of wheelchair users.

The “city farmers” can plant five seasonal produce including broccoli, carrots and tomatoes in one of the thirty-sq-ft planters in key-hole and curved shapes. Hand tools, water and fertilisers, as well as training courses will be provided to participants on site. The agency says farmers can expect up to two harvests in half a year.

However, the centre has to finish procedures for obtaining water supply and renew a short term land lease with the government before the farm can come into full operation.